Meet Aisha Suramayeva

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aisha Suramayeva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aisha below.

Hi Aisha, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem through preparation, continuous learning, and real-life experience. In the beginning, I focused on building my skills so I could rely on my expertise in any situation. I also started reading books and listening to podcasts about confidence, psychology, and self-worth. I truly believe that if you want others to value you, you must first value yourself. For me, it started with small but powerful changes: challenging negative self-talk and replacing it with positive affirmations, choosing not to keep negative-minded people around who underestimate my achievements, and allowing myself to have my own opinion, even when it’s not convenient for others. Over time, taking on challenges, seeing results, and maintaining this mindset helped me trust myself more and carry that confidence into everything I do.

I used to compare myself to others a lot, but once I discovered the world of psychology, I completely shifted my mindset. I realized that true confidence comes when you stop comparing yourself to other people and start comparing your current self with your past self. I began reflecting on my achievements, letting go of the feeling of ‘not being enough,’ and surrounding myself with people whose energy I enjoy. I no longer stay in environments where I don’t feel comfortable, respected, or heard. I also learned to say ‘no’ to people who don’t value my time, energy, boundaries, or work.

This wasn’t something I learned from books alone — sometimes it takes going through difficult or even heartbreaking situations to realize that if you keep putting others first, some people will take advantage. That realization taught me the importance of prioritizing myself, and it has been a key factor in building both my confidence and self-esteem.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a professional makeup artist and creative entrepreneur with over four years of experience working in beauty, fashion, and backstage environments. My journey started with a love for art and transformation — makeup, for me, is more than just enhancing someone’s appearance; it’s a way to tell a story, boost confidence, and help people see the best version of themselves.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the variety — one day I might be creating a high-fashion editorial look for a photoshoot, the next I’m working backstage at a runway show, and sometimes I’m teaching makeup techniques to beginners who want to learn how to express themselves through beauty. I also bring my organizational and business skills from my background in finance, which helps me not only create but also manage projects effectively.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my brand to combine beauty, art, and creative education — offering workshops, private lessons, and collaborative projects that merge makeup with other artistic mediums. I’m also passionate about working in spaces that celebrate art and fashion, and I’m always open to collaborations that inspire creativity.

Alongside my personal work, I’m also actively involved with International Beauty Fashion Association (IBFA) — a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering professionals in the beauty and fashion industry. IBFA provides resources, networking, and opportunities for models, makeup artists, hairstylists, estheticians, nail and lash artists, stylists, designers, as well as photographers and videographers. I’m proud to be part of a community that uplifts creative talent and helps industry professionals grow both artistically and professionally.

My brand is built on authenticity, artistry, and empowerment. Whether it’s through makeup, event work, nonprofit initiatives, or art projects, my goal is to make people feel seen, valued, and confident.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back at my journey, I think the three most impactful things were:

Adaptability & Continuous Learning – The beauty and fashion industry changes fast — trends, techniques, even client expectations. I made a habit of constantly learning: taking courses, attending workshops, reading books, listening to podcasts about psychology and confidence, and staying curious about both artistry and business.
Advice: Don’t just master one style or skill — keep evolving. Try new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and be open to feedback.

Networking & Relationship-Building – My career really accelerated when I started surrounding myself with inspiring people: other artists, photographers, stylists, and industry mentors. This not only opened doors for collaborations but also kept me motivated.
Advice: Go to industry events, join professional communities (like IBFA), and genuinely support others’ work. Your network can be as valuable as your portfolio.

Confidence & Self-Worth – Early on, I struggled with comparing myself to others and undervaluing my work. Once I started setting boundaries, respecting my time, and focusing on my own growth, everything shifted.
Advice: Build your confidence from within — challenge negative self-talk, reflect on your progress, and remember that saying “no” is sometimes the most professional thing you can do.

For anyone starting out, my biggest tip is: invest equally in your technical skills, your mindset, and your professional relationships. The balance of those three is what creates a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The first people who come to mind are my parents. They have always supported me throughout my journey and continue to do so. Maybe it’s an advantage of being a middle child, but they’ve always trusted me, believed in my ideas, and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

My mom can be a bit skeptical sometimes, while my dad often takes the opposite view. He’s one of those rare people who allowed me to travel to the U.S. by myself when I was just 19. My mom was worried and wanted me to stay home because she was scared — the world feels uncertain these days — but my dad encouraged me to take that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It wasn’t just a couple of weeks’ trip; it was a 3.5-month work & travel experience, and honestly, it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.

After I returned from the U.S., I started thinking about visiting European countries, and once again, my dad supported me both emotionally and financially. Now, a year into living in New York City, I’m grateful to say that my parents still believe in me. Thanks to their support, I was able to get a job offer in my field, and I’m currently doing an internship at a real estate company. I feel incredibly thankful for their unwavering faith in me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@unconsciousphoto
@houseboutiquek
@leilavasat.ph
[email protected]

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than